Rohingya crisis: Humanitarian situation catastrophic, says UN

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Myanmar authorities to suspend military action and end violence against the Rohingya Muslims, saying the situation could best be described as ethnic cleansing.

He also called on the Myanmar authorities to uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country.

Guterres said the humanitarian situation was "catastrophic" and urged all countries to do what they can for humanitarian assistance to be provided.

The UN chief also said that alleged attacks by security forces on Rohingya villagers were completely unacceptable.

Later, the UN Security Council called for urgent steps to end the violence.

The Rohingya persecution in Myanmar can be described as the ongoing military crackdown by Myanmar Army and police on Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State in the country's north-western area. The crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, was in response to attacks on Burmese border posts in October 2016 by Rohingya insurgents.